WNBA's 30th Season Kicks Off with Expansion Teams and Marquee Matchups

Key dates to watch for the league's milestone year, from training camp to the playoffs

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:03pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the energy and excitement of the league's milestone 30th season.The WNBA's 30th season will showcase the league's growth and evolution through a dynamic, cubist-inspired visual style.Chicago Today

The WNBA is set to tip off its 30th season on May 8, with a packed opening weekend featuring three games on Friday, three on Saturday, and five on Sunday. The league is expanding to 15 teams with the addition of the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, who will both make their home debuts during the opening weekend. Other highlights include a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, as well as the WNBA All-Star game in Chicago in late July.

Why it matters

The WNBA's 30th season marks a major milestone for the league, which has steadily grown its fanbase and profile over the past three decades. The addition of two new expansion teams, high-profile matchups, and marquee events like the All-Star game will help generate excitement and interest around the league's anniversary season.

The details

The WNBA's 30th season will tip off on May 8 with a packed opening weekend, including three games on Friday, three on Saturday, and five on Sunday. The regular season will feature 44 games total. The league is expanding to 15 teams with the addition of the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, who will both make their home debuts during opening weekend. Other key dates include the Commissioner's Cup in June, the WNBA All-Star game in Chicago in late July, and the final day of the regular season on September 24.

  • The WNBA enters its 30th season with WNBA with a three games three games on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 and five games on Sunday, May 10.
  • The regular season will be 44 games.
  • Training camp opens on April 19.
  • The Commissioner's Cup runs from June 1-June 17.
  • The WNBA All-Star game will be held July 24-35 in Chicago.

The players

Toronto Tempo

One of two new expansion teams joining the WNBA for the 30th season, making their home debut on May 8 against the Washington Mystics.

Portland Fire

The other new expansion team joining the WNBA for the 30th season, making their home debut on May 9 against the Chicago Sky.

Las Vegas Aces

The 2025 WNBA Champions, who will host a Finals rematch against the Phoenix Mercury during opening weekend.

Phoenix Mercury

The 2025 WNBA Finals runners-up, who will face the Las Vegas Aces in a rematch of the championship series during opening weekend.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be kicking off our 30th season with the addition of two new expansion teams and some marquee matchups right out of the gate.”

— Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

What’s next

The WNBA will hold its annual All-Star game in Chicago from July 24-35, showcasing the league's top talent during the milestone 30th season.

The takeaway

The WNBA's 30th anniversary season promises to be an exciting one, with the addition of two new expansion teams, high-profile matchups, and marquee events like the All-Star game. These key dates and storylines will help drive interest and engagement around the league's milestone year.